The RSPCA has declared a “war against litter” - as statistics show the heartbreaking impact of people’s rubbish on animals in Devon.

New analysis by the charity has detailed an increase in animals affected by plastic litter - including by becoming entangled in nets, trapped in plastic bags or bottles, or infected through litter-inflicted wounds.

The data shows there were at least 42 incidents in Devon that involved animals affected by general litter in 2018.

That’s up from the 38 recorded in 2017 - though lower than the 2015 and 2016 figures.

However, the incidents involving plastic litter were at a record high of 16.

“From seals with deep infected wounds caused by plastic frisbees cutting into their necks, to swans and geese trapped in fishing line or netting, plastic is clearly having an increasing impact on animal welfare.

“Our latest data sadly reflects the wider litter crisis taking place right now across the globe and action is urgently needed.